Spain and Argentina are the World Cup favorites, not Brazil: Rivaldo

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Rivaldo was the member Brazil’s World Cup winning squad in 2002 but he feels that Spain and Argentina are the favorites to win this tournament, not Selecao.

Former FC Barcelona star believes that Spain and Argentina have got the strongest teams at this World Cup and believes that even Portugal are more stronger than his home nation.

Rivaldo was the important member of Brazil’s World Cup winning squad in 2002 in South Korea Japan. Rivaldo has scored 34 goals for Brazil during his career spanning between 1993 to 2003.

Rivaldo stressed that current squad of Selecao is not strong enough and they can’t win the World Cup. Interestingly, Luiz Felipe Scolari was the coach when Brazil won the World Cup last time.

Spain and Argentina have world class players like Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas, Messi, Higuain and Di Maria in their ranks and hence, the ex-Fifa World Player of the Year feels that they are the better teams than Brazil.

“Spain and Argentina are the two strongest teams at the moment,” Rivaldo was speaking to Goal.com. “As we know there are eight world champions who are involved in this tournament, and with all of their experiences, they have all got my respect.”

Rivaldo feels that Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal are the dark horses for this years’ tournament.

“But Portugal potentially could make an upset.”

When asked about the chances of Brazil, Rivaldo said that they will give their best in their first game against Croatia. “I think Brazil will do their best,” he said. “I know there will be a pressure before the first game.

“With all my respect, I’m confident we will play a good game and take a victory over Croatia.”

As a host nation, Brazil are under tremendous pressure from fans to win the World Cup.

However, the preparations for the tournament were halted by the demonstrations of fans and some accidents which took place on the World Cup venues. But Rivaldo feels that visiting fans need not worry about the security anymore as necessary preparations have been made.

“Security will not be a major concern during the World Cup because the governments and organisation committees will ensure that all of conditions will be fine,” he said.

“I hope we could be a good host, because it would be embarrassing for Brazilians if something happened.”

Brazil players bood by fans

Brazil won a friendly against Serbia with narrow margin of 1-0 yesterday. However, the fans were seemingly frustrated with the display of their star studded team and gave them series of boos for such poor display.

However, Brazil coach Scolari is not ready to take that incident seriously. “It’s a normal thing,” the Brazil boss said. “They happened in Goiania and other places.

“It wasn’t a problem for any of my players. They are ready for this.

“But after the final whistle, I would say 65 of the 67,000 fans that were there were satisfied.”